Did you know India’s 1st selfie was captured in 19th century and is of whom?

In today’s world, selfies are ubiquitous. We raise our phones, angle the front camera just right, and capture moments of our lives. But did you know that India’s first selfie was taken long before smartphones and filters? It was a remarkable moment captured by none other than Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya of Tripura and his queen, Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini Devi, back in 1880.

Image: Public Domain

Photography arrived in India during the 19th century, closely following its invention in Europe. In 1839, the Daguerreotype process was announced in Paris, and by the same year, the Bombay Times published articles about the arrival of the new Daguerreotype camera in India. The Calcutta firm of Thacker & Company even began importing and advertising the sale of these cameras. Unlike a belated version of European photography, India’s photographic practices developed rapidly alongside European techniques. As the British Empire expanded, photography became instrumental in documenting India’s cultures, people, and landscapes during the colonial period.

Image: Canva

European photographers played a significant role in capturing India’s diverse landscapes and landmarks. Dr. John Murray, an amateur photographer, moved to Agra in 1848 and produced a series of views of Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. His photographs were later published under titles like “Photographic Views of Agra and Its Vicinity” and “Picturesque Views of the North Western Province of India.” These early photographs allowed people who hadn’t traveled to India to experience its beauty from afar.

Image: Canva

In the 19th century, Tripura was home to Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya and his queen, Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini Devi. The Maharaja was not only an architect who modernized Agartala but also a pioneer in photography. He was the second royal in India to possess a camera, following Raja Deen Dayal of Indore. His reign from 1862 to 1896 witnessed significant transformations, including administrative reforms that elevated Tripura’s status.

Image: Public Domain

Rani Manmohini Devi, the Maharani, shared her husband’s passion for photography. Under his guidance, she trained as a royal photographer. Together, they organized the first-ever annual photographic exhibition within the palace. The Foto ka Karkhana, a fully equipped studio in Madho Niwas, showcased their interest in photography. Rani Manmohini Devi is recognized as India’s first female photographer.

Image: Public Domain

The iconic selfie was an intimate portrait of the royal couple. In the photograph, Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya gently placed his right arm around his wife’s shoulder, and she clung to him affectionately. At first glance, it might not appear as a typical selfie. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the Maharaja held something in his left hand—a lever connected to a long wire control that operated the camera’s shutter. When he pulled the lever, they captured one of the earliest self-portraits by an Indian.

Image: Public Domain

Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya’s forward-thinking approach extended beyond architecture and governance. His love for photography immortalized this tender moment between him and his queen. Today, as we snap countless selfies, let’s remember that India’s first ‘selfie’ was proof of their artistic spirit and innovation.

In 1880, long before hashtags and filters, the King of Tripura and his queen unknowingly etched their names into history as the pioneers of India’s first ‘selfie’.

Image: Canva